School Choices Detailed and Rated Lake Bonnet, Lakeland, 33803

Lake Bonnet is a small community in Lakeland, Florida, within the 33803 ZIP code. This area is part of Polk County, and the schools serving this community are primarily under the Polk County Public Schools district. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Lake Bonnet, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a firsthand impression.

I’ll focus on public schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) of Lake Bonnet, as well as mention any notable private or charter options if applicable. Since Lake Bonnet is a smaller neighborhood, the schools listed will be those serving the broader Lakeland area near the 33803 ZIP code.

Public Schools Near Lake Bonnet, Lakeland, FL (33803)

1. Dixieland Elementary School

   • Address: 416 Ariana St, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Distance from Lake Bonnet: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 4/10 (based on test scores and student progress)
   • Overview: Dixieland Elementary serves students in the southern part of Lakeland, near Lake Bonnet. The school focuses on core academics and offers programs to support student growth. Test scores are below the state average in some areas, but the school has initiatives for improvement.
   • Additional Info: Check the Polk County Public Schools website for zoning details, as boundaries can affect school assignment.

2. Southwest Middle School

   • Address: 2815 Eden Pkwy, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Distance from Lake Bonnet: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 3/10
   • Overview: Southwest Middle School serves students in the Lakeland area, including those near Lake Bonnet. The school offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, but test scores and overall performance are below state averages.
   • Additional Info: Middle school zoning can vary, so confirm with Polk County Public Schools if this is the assigned school for Lake Bonnet residents.

3. Lakeland Senior High School

   • Address: 726 Hollingsworth Rd, Lakeland, FL 33801
   • Distance from Lake Bonnet: Approximately 3-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 5/10
   • Overview: Lakeland Senior High School, also known as Lakeland High School, is one of the primary high schools serving the central Lakeland area. It offers a variety of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and has a diverse student body. Graduation rates and college readiness metrics are near or slightly below state averages.
   • Additional Info: The school has a strong athletics program and various student clubs.

   Other Nearby Public Schools (Slightly Farther but Still Accessible)

4. Cleveland Court Elementary School

   • Address: 328 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Distance from Lake Bonnet: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   • Overview: This school is slightly farther from Lake Bonnet but still within the 33803 ZIP code. It has better ratings compared to Dixieland Elementary, with stronger test scores in math and reading.

5. Kathleen High School

   • Address: 1100 Red Devil Way, Lakeland, FL 33815
   • Distance from Lake Bonnet: Approximately 6-8 miles
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 3/10
   • Overview: Another high school option for some Lakeland residents, though it may not be the primary zoned school for Lake Bonnet. It has lower ratings due to test scores and graduation rates compared to Lakeland Senior High.

   Charter Schools Near Lake Bonnet

6. McKeel Academy of Technology

   • Address: 1810 W Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33815
   • Distance from Lake Bonnet: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: 7-12
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 8/10
   • Overview: McKeel Academy is a well-regarded charter school in Lakeland with a focus on technology and academics. It often has higher test scores and graduation rates than traditional public schools in the area. However, admission is typically through a lottery system, and there may be a waitlist.
   • Additional Info: Check the McKeel Schools website for application details.

7. Lakeland Montessori School House

   • Address: 1124 N Lake Parker Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805
   • Distance from Lake Bonnet: Approximately 6-7 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-6
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): Not widely rated due to its smaller size, but generally well-reviewed by parents.
   • Overview: A charter school offering a Montessori-based education, focusing on individualized learning. Admission may also be limited.

   Private Schools Near Lake Bonnet

8. St. Joseph Academy

   • Address: 310 Frank Lloyd Wright Way, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Distance from Lake Bonnet: Approximately 3-4 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-8
   • Rating (Niche): Not officially rated on all platforms, but often receives positive parent feedback for its faith-based education.
   • Overview: A Catholic private school offering a religious curriculum alongside academics. Tuition applies, and financial aid may be available.
   • Additional Info: Visit the school’s website for enrollment and tuition details.

9. Lakeland Christian School

   • Address: 1111 Forest Park St, Lakeland, FL 33803
   • Distance from Lake Bonnet: Approximately 4-5 miles
   • Grade Levels: PK-12
   • Rating (Niche): A- (based on academics, diversity, and parent reviews)
   • Overview: One of the largest and most established private schools in Lakeland, offering a Christian-based education with strong academics and extracurriculars. Tuition is required.
   • Additional Info: Known for college preparatory programs and a supportive community.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org and Niche, which use test scores, student-teacher ratios, and parent reviews. The Florida Department of Education also assigns school grades (A-F) based on performance metrics, which you can find on their website (fldoe.org).
   • Zoning: School assignments depend on specific addresses within Lake Bonnet. Use the Polk County Public Schools’ zoning tool (available on their website) to confirm which schools serve your exact location.
   • School Choice: Polk County offers school choice options, allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Magnet and charter schools like McKeel Academy are popular alternatives.
   • Updates: School ratings and performance can change yearly. For the most current data, visit the school websites or contact Polk County Public Schools at (863) 534-0500.

   Conclusion

   Near Lake Bonnet in Lakeland, FL (33803), you have access to a mix of public, charter, and private schools. Public schools like Dixieland Elementary, Southwest Middle, and Lakeland Senior High are the most likely zoned options, though their ratings are generally average or below (3-5/10 on GreatSchools). Charter schools like McKeel Academy (8/10) and private options like Lakeland Christian School (A- on Niche) offer higher-rated alternatives but may involve lottery admissions or tuition costs. For the best fit, I recommend visiting schools, speaking with administrators, and confirming zoning for your specific address.

   If you have a specific address in Lake Bonnet or want more details about a particular school (e.g., programs, extracurriculars, or recent performance data), let me know, and I can dig deeper!